Cottage Cheese Alternatives

Cottage cheese is a popular dairy product used in many dishes.

However, you may sometimes need or want to use a substitute.

There are several delicious and nutritious cottage cheese alternatives to choose from.

What is Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese is a fresh, soft white cheese made from cow's milk. It gets its name from originally being made in cottages from leftover milk.

Cottage cheese is characterized by small soft curds and a milky liquid called whey. The curds give it a unique bumpy texture. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

It's used in both sweet and savory dishes like:

• Lasagna
• Pasta
• Pies
• Dips
• Salads
• Desserts

Cottage cheese is popular because it's high in protein and low in fat. It also contains calcium, phosphorus, selenium, riboflavin, and vitamin B12.

Why Use Cottage Cheese Substitutes?

There are several reasons you may need or want substitutes, such as:

Dietary Restrictions

• Dairy-free: Some people can't or choose not to eat dairy products. Reasons include lactose intolerance, casein intolerance, or a vegan diet.
• Kosher or halal: Cottage cheese is not kosher or halal when made with non-kosher or non-halal enzymes. Substitutes enable those with religious dietary requirements to still enjoy similar dishes.

Not Available

Cottage cheese can sometimes be:

• Out of stock at stores
• Difficult find in certain countries

Having handy substitutions allows you to still make your favorite recipes.

Change Texture or Flavor

Alternatives like ricotta or goat cheese provide a slightly different flavor and texture, adding variety.

Key Takeaway: There are several valid reasons for needing or wanting to use cottage cheese substitutes, including dietary restrictions, availability issues, or a desire to change texture/flavor.

Dairy-Based Cottage Cheese Substitutes

If you don't have dietary restrictions and still want a dairy-based substitute, there are many options that mimic cottage cheese well.

1. Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese, made from whey, is an extremely close match to cottage cheese in terms of:

• Production method
• Taste
• Texture – soft, crumbly curds in milky liquid
• Uses – lasagna, pasta fillings, desserts, etc.

It also contains similar nutrients like calcium, zinc, and B vitamins. The main difference is ricotta is richer and more moist.

It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for cottage cheese. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup cottage cheese, use 1 cup ricotta cheese instead.

2. Mascarpone Cheese

Mascarpone is a thick, creamy Italian cheese. It makes a good high-fat/high-calorie substitute for richer dishes like desserts and dips wanting more decadence.

It has a smooth, creamy texture without curds or liquid. The taste is stronger too. Blending it first helps mimic cottage cheese better.

Replace cottage cheese with an equal amount of mascarpone.

3. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt contains live cultures giving it probiotic health benefits. Like cottage cheese, it's also high in protein, calcium, and pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.

The main difference is it's smoother without curds. But it shares a similar mild, tangy flavor.

Use 1 cup yogurt for every 1 cup cottage cheese called for by a recipe. Be aware baked goods may need less liquid due to yogurt's higher moisture content.

4. Fromage Blanc

Fromage blanc, or white cheese, is a fresh cheese from France. It resembles a cross between cottage cheese and Greek yogurt in flavor and texture.

It contains small creamy curds like cottage cheese but in a richer, thicker base. The result is a smooth, spreadable texture with a sweet, tangy taste.

It works especially well substituted into:

• Cheesecakes
• Fruit desserts
• Savory dips

Replace cottage cheese cup for cup with fromage blanc.

5. Sour Cream

Sour cream makes a good substitute in dips, omelets, baked potatoes, and other savory dishes.

While more tangy than cottage cheese, it adds a lush creaminess. The higher moisture content also prevents dryness.

Swap equal amounts of sour cream for cottage cheese.

6. Soft Goat Cheese

Soft goat cheese offers a major health advantage over regular cottage cheese - it's much lower in calories and fat.

It shares a creamy, spreadable texture. But the taste differs with a distinct tangy, goat milk flavor.

Goat cheese works well in place of cottage cheese in savory Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes complementing ingredients like olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting goat cheese for cottage cheese.

7. Whipped Cream

Whipped heavy cream can mimic the texture when cottage cheese is blended smooth. However, it will be sweeter and richer.

It gives a lighter, airier consistency ideal for delicate desserts over hearty dishes.

Replace cottage cheese cup for cup with whipped cream.

8. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is an excellent flavor match for cottage cheese. But the texture differs - it's completely smooth without curds or liquid.

It adds a rich, dense creaminess. Tangy varieties closer resemble cottage cheese. Sweeten to use in desserts.

Substitute cottage cheese measure for measure with cream cheese.

9. Faisselle

Faisselle is a lesser-known French-style cottage cheese. It contains the same small, creamy curds but in a thicker base.

This makes it more sliceable and spreadable. It works beautifully in both sweet and savory dishes as a cottage cheese alternative.

Swap equal amounts of faisselle for cottage cheese in recipes.

10. Feta Cheese

Feta doesn't closely resemble cottage cheese on its own. It has a crumbly texture and is much saltier.

But mixing feta with heavy cream lightens both texture and flavor for a reasonable substitute. The salty, tangy notes pair especially well with Mediterranean herbs and vegetables.

Use a 1:1 ratio of feta-cream mixture in place of cottage cheese.

Key Takeaway: Ricotta, Greek yogurt, fromage blanc, goat cheese, and mascarpone make excellent dairy-based substitutes for cottage cheese.

Non-Dairy and Vegan Cottage Cheese Substitutes

Those avoiding dairy due to preference or intolerances have many options for replacing cottage cheese, including:

1. Tofu

Tofu is coagulated soy milk, making it a nutritious dairy-free alternative. It easily absorbs other flavors while adding protein and substance.

• For a cottage cheese consistency, crumble firm tofu.
• For a ricotta substitute, blend silken tofu until smooth then mix with lemon juice and salt.

Use savory seasonings and swap tofu for cottage cheese 1:1.

2. Legume-Based Dips

Various legume-based dips mimic cottage cheese's protein and texture nicely. Choices like hummus, white bean dip, or chickpea salad make nutritious substitutes, especially when seasoned similarly to the dish flavors.

The bean flavors come through more strongly. But they pair well with most savory ingredients.

3. Mashed Starchy Vegetables

Starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips and celeriac lend a similar smooth, thick creaminess once cooked and mashed.

Season them boldly and mix with non-dairy milk or cream alternatives if needed for spreading/dipping consistency.

Use equal volumes of mashed veggies in place of cottage cheese.

4. Nut or Seed Based Cheeses

There are many excellent non-dairy cheese recipes based on nuts and seeds, such as:

• Cashews
• Macadamia nuts
• Sunflower seeds

Soaked then blended, they easily transform into smooth, tangy spreads. Adding lemon juice gives a cottage cheese-like tartness.

Use savory seasonings and substitute 1:1 for cottage cheese in dishes.

5. Soy Yogurt

Soy yogurt, made from fermented soy milk, resembles dairy yogurt in tart flavor and smooth consistency. It works well substituted for cottage cheese in lighter dishes wanting more moisture.

Be aware almond, coconut or other non-dairy yogurts differ more in flavor and fat content from cottage cheese.

6. Mashed Avocado

If you're really in a pinch, mashed avocado adds pleasant richness and healthy fats. The green color and stronger flavor don't mimic cottage cheese though.

Add lemon juice and salt for a more cheese-like tang. Use in moderation, as the taste is quite distinctive.

Key Takeaway: Tofu, legume dips, blended nuts/seeds, mashed vegetables, and soy yogurt all make versatile dairy-free stand-ins for cottage cheese.

Easy Substitution Ratios

When substituting for cottage cheese, use the below guidelines for easy measurement conversions:

For other substitutions like sour cream or feta combinations, starting with equal cottage cheese measurements then adjusting to taste usually works well.

FAQs

What is the best cottage cheese substitute?

It depends on intended use and dietary needs. Overall, ricotta cheese closely replicates both the curdy texture and mild flavor. Greek yogurt also makes an excellent sub in dips and baked goods.

Can I replace cottage cheese with milk powder?

Yes. Mix 1 cup powdered milk with 1/4 cup water or milk. Let sit 5 minutes to thicken, then beat until creamy. The texture resembles cottage cheese curds. Works well in cooked dishes.

What can vegetarians use instead of cottage cheese?

Excellent vegetarian and vegan alternatives include mashed tofu, legume-based dips, blended cashews or macadamia nuts, soy yogurt, mashed starchy vegetables, and smoked gouda style nut cheeses.

Is ricotta a good substitute for cottage cheese?

Ricotta makes possibly the best substitute - it closely matches the mild flavor, loose curdy texture, fat content, and how cottage cheese acts in recipes. Plus it's easy to find.

Conclusion

Cottage cheese is used in diverse savory and sweet preparations from lasagna to cheesecake. Luckily, many equally delicious alternatives exist.

Options like ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, and soft goat cheese make great dairy-based substitutes. While tofu, blended nuts/seeds, soy yogurt or legume dips imitate cottage cheese nicely for non-dairy diets.